Press Release

Figure 1 Foundation Co-Founders AJ Wilder and Chris Olmsted Host Open House and Scholarship Ceremony for the Figure 1 Foundation.

Los Angeles, 6/9/2016 – The Figure 1 Foundation is a nonprofit aviation career building organization that leads by example with integrity, accountability and a strong work ethic. We inspire professional pilots by teaching a thorough education of aviation safety with a solid foundation of aircraft handling skills that are found lacking in today's industry. Figure 1 provides aviation scholarships for dedicated individuals who might not otherwise have the opportunity. The Foundation also provides the means for continuing education and pilot safety training courses giving the experience needed for college advancement and job placement.

Our Mission is to educate, enable, and inspire our community at the grass roots level of general aviation.

THE EVENT

This past Sunday, June 5th, Co-Founders AJ Wilder and Chris Olmsted awarded the first aviation scholarships for the Spin/Unusual Attitude Training, an introduction to Aerobatics for already certified pilots. This scholarship is designed to build competent yet safe pilots in anticipation of a lifelong career in aviation. The event was held during Santa Paula airport’s monthly Open House, and drew in crowds from around the community. Scholarship winners, their families, and local aviation enthusiasts attended the event.

Co-Founder, Chris Olmsted, says "I can’t believe this day is here! We’ve worked diligently to get the Foundation to this point. There is no greater reward than to see the excitement from our winners and their families.”

In addition to the scholarship awards, Figure 1 Foundation was proud to display their newest trainer aircraft, the Clipped-Wing Cub, which was honored at the event. The Cub will be a key tool in pilot education for the Foundation over the next few years. Co-Founder, Chris Olmsted, spoke about the history of the Cub and it’s unique flying characteristics, followed by a demonstration.

Co-Founder, AJ Wilder, shares “We’re honored to have the Cub selected as the featured exhibit! Adding the Cub to the Figure 1 Foundation has been long in the works, and we can’t wait to take it up with our scholarship winners”

Before the day came to a close, Mr. Wilder and Mr. Olmsted announced the next few rounds of applications – June will be the month of the Tail-Wheel Endorsement Scholarship, followed by the Private Pilot Certification in July.

SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

Chase Standage,currently a junior at Moorpark High school, earned his private pilot’s license in February of this year. Chase aspires to be a naval aviator, a military test pilot, and eventually a NASA astronaut. With enrollment in multiple honors courses and a 4.2 GPA, Chase also serves in the naval Sea Cadet Corps program as a petty Officer Second-Class.

Heather Kelly, an Oregon native, is a candidate for her Bachelors of Science in Professional Aviation from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Her passion for the industry and dedicated approach to her studies has earned her a 4.0 GPA. After completing her studies, Heather’s ultimate goal is to live abroad and use hers skills to assist underdeveloped countries by flying in supplies and medical aid. She is looking forward to joining the Figure 1 family, and feels that having mentors such as Chris and AJ will help her establish footing in the professional aviation world.

Jennifer Bauman is a Junior at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo California and is working towards her Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Engineering. In addition to pursuing her education, Jennifer is working towards earning her flight instructor certificate. Jenniffer spends much of her free time volunteering in the local aviation community, recently starting a flying club at her university that aims to make aviation more affordable for youth. Jennifer looks forward to passing along the skills learned from the Figure 1 team to her future students.